Cash Advance Apps

Is MoneyLion app legit?

Last Updated: Aug 03, 2025

MoneyLion is a legit cash advance app. Founded in 2013, it aims to help Americans who might not have access to traditional banking by offering low-cost or free financial services without credit checks. While MoneyLion is a legitimate company, it's important to note that in November 2023, the Colorado Attorney General announced a settlement with them after an investigation found they collected illegal membership fees from Colorado consumers tied to loans. MoneyLion agreed to return $271,000 to affected consumers and pay $75,000 for restitution and consumer protection efforts. Additionally, in September 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sued MoneyLion for alleged violations of the Military Lending Act, but the lawsuit has been paused pending a Supreme Court ruling on the CFPB's funding structure.

How reliable is MoneyLion?

Hundreds of MoneyLion reviews from June and July 2025 that we analyzed suggest users can rely on the app. Here’s what they have to say about it:

  • Lifesaver: Numerous users describe MoneyLion as a “lifesaver” that helps them in tight financial situations, highlighting how it’s “always there when needed” and “comes in clutch” during emergencies.
  • Reliable Support: Many appreciate the app’s reliability, mentioning that it’s “very reliable” and “never let me down,” providing assistance when they need it most.
  • Easy and Helpful: Users find the app easy to use and helpful, praising its straightforward process and how it “helped me when I needed it” without hassle.
  • Good Customer Service: Several users commend the customer service, noting that support is “amazing,” “very personal,” and “there when you need them.”
  • Initial Issues: A few users mention initial difficulties using the app, but they found it useful over time after working with customer support.

Overall, the dominant theme is clear: most users see MoneyLion as a dependable financial ally that’s there when they need it most, helping them navigate financial challenges with ease.

How much can I get from MoneyLion?

MoneyLion advertises cash advances up to $1,000, but user experiences suggest the reality can be different. Here's what we found:

  • Higher Limits with Direct Deposit: Some users report accessing up to $1,000 when they set up direct deposit with MoneyLion's RoarMoney.
  • Growing Advances Over Time: Paying back on time can increase your available advance; several users mention their limits rising as they maintain good repayment history.
  • Low Starting Amounts: Many mention starting with as little as $10 or $50, which can be a letdown if you're expecting more upfront.
  • Fluctuating Limits: Some are frustrated by inconsistent advance amounts, with limits decreasing without clear reasons.
  • Per-Transfer Caps and Fees: Even if approved for a higher amount, you might only withdraw $100 at a time, with fees on each transaction adding up.

While it's possible to access larger advances with MoneyLion, you might need to start small and work your way up. Setting up direct deposit and staying on top of repayments seem to be key to unlocking higher amounts.

App reviews talking about Loan Amounts:
"...the inconsistency of the amount to borrow is annoying..."
"I just started using this app, was only approved for $10 so far..."
"...advance amount goes up and down is what I don't like."

What users say?

Positive
6%
Negative
94%
Many users express frustration with the MoneyLion app's subscription cancellation process. They report difficulties in deleting their accounts, with some stating that even after attempting to cancel, they continue to be charged or receive emails. The process is described as cumbersome, with users often needing to contact customer service, which they find unhelpful or unresponsive. Some users feel misled about the terms of their subscriptions and express dissatisfaction with the overall experience, labeling the app as scammy or fraudulent.
App reviews talking about Subscription Cancellation:
"...went to delete account and they are refusing to do so."
"I just want to delete the account!!..."
"...cancelled my membership in April here it's July and I still haven't been refunded..."

Scam reports

Even though MoneyLion is a legitimate company, we found over 35 recent reviews describing the service as scammy or fraudulent (out of hundreds analyzed). About 30 explicitly call the service a “scam”, “fraud”, or “predatory,” while others mention hidden fees, unexpected charges, or issues with account closures.

Several users express concerns about credit builder loans that are hard to close and negatively impact their credit. Others report never receiving promised rewards or payouts, and some worry about data misuse or unauthorized access to their accounts.

The common theme is that people feel deceived or financially harmed, often pointing to unwanted charges, inability to access funds, poor customer service, and aggressive tactics to solicit tips or fees.

App reviews talking about Scam:
"...they closed my account for no reason claiming fraudulent activity even though it was just my paycheck..."
"...this app is a straight-up scam. i spent hours playing one of their games to earn $14..."
"...MoneyLion is a complete scam that preys on people living paycheck to paycheck..."